Nancy O'Dell

Sunday didn't just mark the Academy of Country Music Awards – it marked the 50th edition of the Academy of Country Music Awards. So needless to say, Nashville's biggest names put a little extra TLC into their getting-ready routines.

When Pat O'Brien set out to write the story of his "big life" – his star-studded career in TV, the drinking that destroyed it and the four rehab trips it took to get sober – he wanted to be truthful. Brutally so.

"Most people try to sugar coat what happened and make their books a 'love me more' and 'here's what's next,' " the former CBS Sports, Access Hollywood and Insider broadcaster tells PEOPLE of his new memoir, I'll Be Right Back After This.

"I've had such a big life and I almost died. Recovery has taught me to be honest about it."

You know that phenomenon called the calm before the storm? You're outside and you notice everything seems to go quiet, the air goes still, and all seems peaceful. It's time to head inside, and get ready because in a few minutes, the air will change, the clouds will appear, and raindrops will start falling on your head. Saturday was my calm before the storm.

I get asked all the time: How long have I had my Emmy dress? Most people are shocked when I tell them sometimes I don't get it until a day or two before the ceremony. You won't believe the thought process that goes into a dress.

Lisa Rinna had no shortage of celebrity guests come out to celebrate her 49th birthday on Thursday night at her and hubby Harry Hamlin's Los Angeles home.

Joined by her usual group of gal pals – including Denise Richards, Maria Menounos, Nancy O'Dell, Holly Robinson Peete, Garcelle Beauvais and Angelina Jolie's stylist Jen Rade – Rinna treated her 30 attendees to a Mexican-themed fiesta produced by Good Carma Studio in her backyard.

"Lisa's daughters and dog were in the kitchen a lot," a source tells PEOPLE. "There were some special items made for her daughter Amelia, [who doesn't eat gluten]. The kitchen was the gathering spot for most of the other guests, too. Garcelle and Denise were in there most of the evening, chatting about their kids." – Patrick Gomez

Lara Spencer is shooting down rumors that she was angry Nancy O'Dell – and not Spencer – is replacing Mary Hart on Entertainment Tonight.

"That couldn't be further from the truth," The Insider host tells PEOPLE. "There's no feud. I have a great job. I host a show that I love and that I helped launch."

As for O'Dell, Spencer says the former Access Hollywood co-host "is a really great choice. I've known her for years and she's going to be a great addition to the team. There's nothing but love – and I mean that."

Mary Hart is preparing to bid farewell to Entertainment Tonight – and Nancy O'Dell has been named as her successor.

"I remember watching Entertainment Tonight when it first premiered and dreaming about working for the show someday," O'Dell says. "I am honored to be the one chosen to fill a TV legend's seat and I hope I can do her proud!"

Over the summer, Hart, 60, announced her plans to leave the show in 2011 after nearly 30 years on ET.

Access Hollywood's Nancy O'Dell is leaving her job two years before her contract expires. Her last show will be this week.

"The original member of the Access Hollywood family, co-anchor and respected broadcast journalist Nancy O'Dell, has chosen to leave the show after 13 years," says a statement from her rep. "O’Dell appreciates NBC’s cooperation as she begins this next chapter in her career. Even though she will be leaving for a new opportunity, this decision is based totally on Nancy’s desire to take her career to the next level and is completely amicable. She will continue on with projects as a broadcast entertainment journalist."